NCDOT sets hearings to discuss proposed ferry toll hikes

SOUTHPORT, NC (WWAY) — The NCDOT has scheduled four public meetings next month, including one in Southport, to discuss establishing or changing rates for the state’s ferry routes.

The changes would raise the toll on the Southport-Fort Fisher Ferry for most vehicles $5 to $7. Vehicles between 20 and 40 feet in length would go from $10 to $14, while the toll for vehicles longer than 40 feet would increase from $15 to $28. Rates for pedestrians, bicycles and motorcycles would not change.

The proposals are a result of action by the General Assembly last year that laid out a process to buy new ferries. It required the DOT to come up with systemwide tolling and hold public hearings in affected communities.

NOTE: On Feb. 4, the meeting originally scheduled for Southport was changed to Feb. 18 from 7 to 9 p.m. at Southport City Hall. The DOT says the Southport meeting will be held in an “open-house” format.